Radical choices for Cameron

Radical choices for Cameron

Your coverage of the Conservatives' Quality of Life report (September 14) missed some of the most radical proposals, on energy. At the small scale, the recommendations for free connection, feed-in tariffs and supportive building regulations are very bold indeed. Proposals are more problematic at the large scale and we are concerned to retain the renewables obligation, whatever its problems, for investor confidence, particularly in wind. Nevertheless the recognition that wasting two-thirds of energy inputs into the electricity system is madness must surely be welcomed. So too the awareness that the mainstream regulatory regime isn't fit for purpose - regulations could be changed overnight to explicitly favour renewables.

Bold action is urgently needed in the UK. Despite being one of the richest and most polluting countries in the EU, the UK has achieved just a 2% share of renewables in total energy compared to an EU average of 7%. To be left behind is bad business as well as a failure of climate leadership - the EU's renewables industry is worth €20bn and is growing rapidly. Some of our most successful members are increasingly expanding operations overseas, where the framework for renewables is more progressive.Leonie Greene Renewable Energy Association

The proposals by the Conservative party's Quality of Life commission to increase the tax on aviation have attracted predictable criticism from those who argue that the UK economy has become dependent on frequent flying, particularly from Heathrow. But if air travel is really the economic dynamo that its champions claim, why can it not pay its fair share of taxes? At present the airlines pay £2bn a year in air passenger duty, but are exempt from paying £9bn in fuel duty and VAT - a net annual tax break of £7bn. Even if there were no environmental case for taxing flying more fairly, what possible economic, social or moral case is there for continuing to ask other taxpayers - including those on low incomes - to cross-subsidise air travel?Gareth Harper Heathrow Associates

What is this nonsense from the Tories trying to charge us on "green" issues? Stop trying to be trendy and go back to what the Tories are good for, fair government, not like Labour's greedy, grasping, high-tax policies. Look for what's really important to the people of Britain, not what some idiot thinktank thinks might sound good. Dave Cameron will only get me interested in voting for him if he says he'll stop the Scots, who have their own parliament, voting on English issues and promise us an English parliament.David Holmes Chatham, Kent